Frederick County Installment Purchase Plan

Easement Purpose:
To accelerate the preservation of productive agricultural land and woodland which provides for the continued production of food and fiber for the citizens of Frederick County and to protect farmland from the impact from development.

Type of Easement:
Purchased perpetual easement through the use of Installment Purchase agreements.

Eligibility Factors and Criteria:
Minimum of 50 contiguous acres unless adjoined by existing easement or in conjunction with other applications which meet or exceed 50 acres. A majority of the soils on the property must be Class I, II or III or the property must be a majority woodland Groups I or II.

Minimum Size Property:
50 acres unless it adjoins a property under an existing land preservation easement.

Limitations on Development:
No development for non-agricultural uses except, however, the original owner who sold the easement may exclude 1-2 acre lots for children up to a limit of 4. New farm structures and tenant houses, at a rate of 1 per 100 acres, are permitted for agricultural use.

Potential Tax Benefits:
· Income - Installment Interest Payments are made which may be exempt from State and Federal income tax.
· Property - Property tax benefits are proposed and are pending approval.

Easement Value:
Easement values are determined for a point system based on land factors, development pressure and conservation practices.

Stewardship:
The property owner agrees to allow periodic inspections of the property and to implement a soil and water conservation plan.

Source = Frederick County Planning Department